How do you ensure clear communication when there are language barriers or communication difficulties?

In my previous role, I was responsible for briefing a new colleague whose first language was not English. While their technical skills were excellent, they sometimes struggled with verbal instructions, especially when delivered quickly or with industry jargon.

I needed to ensure that all instructions and safety information were fully understood, without making my colleague feel singled out or less capable.

I switched to using shorter, simpler sentences and avoided abbreviations or jargon. After giving an instruction, I asked them to talk me through what they were going to do rather than simply asking if they understood. Where possible, I backed up verbal instructions with written notes or pointed to diagrams in our procedure manual. I also learned a few basic phrases in their language to build rapport.

Their confidence and accuracy improved noticeably within the first week. They told me privately that they appreciated me taking the time to adapt my communication style. Our manager also commented that the onboarding had gone more smoothly than expected, and the approach I used was adopted as a best practice for future inductions.